A weekend at Blackhawk with QCUSA (fwd)

[Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

Robert Phillips
The University of Akron Sociology Department-------Akron, Ohio
1987 Audi 4000S, 1.8L 4-cyl, FWD-----SOLO II D-Street Prepared 
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Tue, 25 Jul 1995 23:36:14 -0400 (EDT)
From: Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>
To: Audi Quattro List <quattro@coimbra.ans.net>
Subject: A weekend at Blackhawk with QCUSA

Now for the arrival of the much anticipated (dreaded?) report of the 
QCUSA Blackhawk Farms event...

I showed up early on Friday night, despite an hour in traffic in Chicago, 
and more stops for toll booths than I could ever imagine.  It's one hour 
"behind" Akron because of the time zone, so I got there on time.

Some good food at a local establishment, complete with a "one-man-band" 
who ripped off blazing renditions of songs that were written before I was 
born.  Make that, WAY before I was born.  He had a set up that resembled 
a combination of a Casio keyboard, and a Kareoke machine, and was best 
suited to weddings and the like.  This guy was indeed older than the 
hills that surrounded Beloit, Wisconsin.

Saturday began, and we went through some driving exercises, the basic 
slalom, threshold braking, accident avoidance type things.  The 
difference from a regular event being that we were told how to spot 
students making mistakes in the various exercises.

The slalom was the most interesting.
Being a cone-chasing autocross type, I received a small word of warning 
to slow down, as this was not the way to properly teach students to 
drive.  Scott (PDQSHIP) on the other hand, was given the complete 3 
minute "Showboat" lecture, regardless of the fact that no matter how 
whacked out of shape the 5000tq got, he never hit a cone.  Whispers and 
such circulated throughout the paddock area.  Scott is under close watch 
by QCUSA officials right now.  :)

Later, it was time for a practice lap or two with an instructor.  Eric 
(STEADIRIC) gave myself and 2 others a few quick laps of the track in his 
5000tq.  I enjoyed this immensely, but the rear seat passengers seemed 
extremely quiet.  I think Eric might have knocked their heads together in 
turn 3, but I might never know for sure.

Despite a few "loose cannons", one in a Chevrolet product who will not be 
named, the day ended without serious incident.  It seems that certain 
participants had trouble seeing the checkered flag during a session, and 
took it upon themselves to take a few extra laps.  They were dealt with 
accordingly. (beaten, tied up in the back of the Anderson's van)
  
Back to the hotel for a few beers and time to reflect on the day's 
happenings.  I learned more about intercoolers and turbo theory than I 
thought existed from a debate between Scott and another QCUSA member, who 
I'm told, is a physicist himself.  Not particularly useful to a 4000 
driver, but informational regardless.

Sunday, the entire day was spent lapping the track.  After a "pep talk" 
from the Anderson brothers about paying attention to flaggers, and driving 
in a safe manner regardless of who is in front or behind you, we were 
off.  Everyone behaved quite nicely after the little talk, which made 
"The Brothers" quite happy.

After taking a few laps, I called on Eric to show me "The Real" way 
around the course, which went fine until the throttle cable came off at 
the exit of turn 7.  Back to the pits, fixed it, and I drove the next 
lap.  The throttle cable came off at the exit of turn 7.  Back to the 
pits again, and with the previously mentioned duct-tape and wire ties, 
the throttle has been working perfectly ever since. 

The 500 mile trip home was made at nearly the speed of sound (remember 
the loud exhaust system?), with very few law enforcers along the way.  I 
guess Indiana has little need for officers at 2:00am on Sunday.  

Everyone really should try out one of these events.  To die without going 
would be a very bad thing.  Just don't bring up intercoolers around 
Scott.  He really likes 'em.  :)  Eric can drive your car, as he won't 
hurt anything but your ego.  It really makes you think when someone can 
smoke you in your own car.  I'm a better driver now, but I still have 
quite a bit to learn.  It's a fun road to get there though.

Look for a similar story on Blackhawk in the next issue of the Quattro 
Quarterly newsletter for the Quattro Club.  I got drafted into writing 
one for them too. 

Robert Phillips
The University of Akron Sociology Department-------Akron, Ohio
1987 Audi 4000S, 1.8L 4-cyl, FWD-----SOLO II D-Street Prepared